Wichita ? Hundreds of people gathered Saturday to honor slain abortion provider Dr. George Tiller, and his children remembered him as a loving father with a sense of humor and a passion for his work.

“I struggle with the manner he was welcomed into heaven,” his son, Maury, told mourners who gathered at College Hill United Methodist Church.

Tiller was shot to death last Sunday in the foyer of his own church, Reformation Lutheran, while serving as an usher and while his wife sang in the choir. His son said the tragic, unexpected way his father was killed resulted in an unimaginable outpouring of love and support for the family.

Tiller’s daughter, Rebecca, recalled how her father loved “Star Trek,” and gave her a framed poster of Trekkie sayings for her apartment, which he promised her would bring her success if she read them each day before going out.

Among his favorites were: “Live long and prosper,” and, “When you go out to the universe remember, boldly go where no man has gone before.”

The man nationally known as one of the nation’s few late-term abortion providers was eulogized for the personal quirks that made him human.

One of his daughters, Jennifer, sparked laughter as she told of the last week of her father’s life at Disneyland. Tiller, who had planned to become a dermatologist, put on “way too much” sunblock on his face. He wore the same shirt for two days in a row, causing everyone to protest the aroma, she said.

His wife, Jeanne, brought tearful mourners clapping to their feet with her strong rendition of the song “The Lord’s Prayer.”

“Dear God, get heaven ready, because Mr. Enthusiasm is coming,” said Larry Borcherding, of Overland Park, who first met Tiller a half-century ago when both were students at Kansas University. “Heaven will never be the same. It will be a better, better place with George in it.”

About 700 people filled the church sanctuary and about 200 others watched a closed-circuit television broadcast in the church’s fellowship hall. His family had the funeral at the Methodist church to accommodate the number of mourners, and its former pastor had served as a chaplain at his clinic.

Security from police and federal marshals was heavy. Tiller’s funeral drew small groups of protesters, including a group from Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, and counter-protesters.

The funeral also drew members of the American Legion Riders, who honored Tiller’s naval service. Some 50 riders parked their motorcycles outside the church, and some stood by flags outside. Their leader, Cregg Hansen, also from Derby, said Tiller’s family asked them to be there.

“We don’t get involved in politics,” Hansen said. “We’re here 120 percent for the veterans.”

Tiller’s family issued a statement: “Family, friends and colleagues have come together to celebrate the life of a devoted humanitarian and loving father, grandfather and husband.”